Does Lexus is 350 F Sport require premium gas?
Yes. In most markets, the IS 350 F Sport is designed to run on premium gasoline to preserve performance and engine health.
The IS 350 F Sport uses a high-compression 3.5-liter V6 and tuning that benefits from higher-octane fuel. The exact octane requirement can vary by year and region, so it’s important to check the owner’s manual or the fuel-filler label for your specific vehicle. If you regularly use regular gasoline, you may notice reduced power and efficiency and the engine management system may adjust timing to prevent knocking.
Understanding fuel requirements for the IS 350 F Sport
Below are the key considerations you should know about octane and fueling for the IS 350 F Sport.
- Premium gasoline is the recommended choice to maintain peak performance and protect the engine. In the United States, this typically corresponds to an octane rating around 91 AKI or higher (often 93 AKI), while European markets reference higher RON numbers.
- Using regular unleaded gasoline (87 AKI) may be possible in some markets, but you will likely experience reduced power, slower acceleration, and lower fuel economy as the engine adapts to the lower octane.
- If you accidentally fill with regular, refuel with premium as soon as possible. The ECU may detect knock and adjust timing; continue driving conservatively until you can restore proper fuel.
- Always verify the exact requirement for your vehicle’s year and market by consulting the owner’s manual or the fuel-door placard.
In practice, premium fuel is the safest, most straightforward choice for the IS 350 F Sport to maintain the driving experience the F Sport trim promises. Regular gasoline is not the recommended long-term option for this engine.
Market variations and practical tips
The octane specification aligns with regional fuel standards. In the United States, premium gasoline is typically 91–93 AKI, while in many European countries it is expressed as 95–98 RON. If you travel or reside in a region with different octane ratings, plan accordingly and follow the local guidance in the owner's manual.
Some drivers may encounter vehicles tuned to handle slightly lower octane, but consistently using premium ensures full performance and smoother operation. Always prioritize the fuel grade recommended for your specific model year and market.
Summary
The Lexus IS 350 F Sport generally requires premium gasoline to maintain peak performance and protect the engine’s high-compression V6. Always confirm the exact fuel requirement for your model year and region in the owner's manual or on the fuel door sticker; when in doubt, choose premium for best results.
What type of gas does a Lexus IS350 F Sport take?
The Lexus IS 350 F Sport requires premium 91-octane unleaded gasoline. Using a lower octane fuel is not recommended as it can lead to a decrease in performance.
- Required fuel type: Premium 91-octane unleaded gasoline.
- Performance impact: Using a lower octane fuel can cause the engine to lose power.
- Owner's manual: Always check your specific model's owner's manual for the most accurate and detailed information.
Does the Lexus 350 require premium gas?
Anything from the 2024 model year and up, requires premium gas. 2012-2022 models call for minimum 87 octane. 23-24 models require 91 octane.
What Lexus does not need premium gas?
Several Lexus models do not require premium gas, including the Lexus ES 350, RX 350 (older models), NX 250 (some model years), and hybrid models like the UX 250h and NX 350h/450h+ (where premium is recommended but not required). To confirm the correct fuel for a specific vehicle, always check the owner's manual or the vehicle's fuel-door label.
Models that typically use regular unleaded (87 octane)
- Lexus CT 200h
- Lexus ES 300h and ES 350
- Lexus HS 250h
- Lexus NX 250 (some model years)
- Lexus NX 300h (older models)
- Lexus RX 350 (models from approximately 2012-2022)
- Lexus UX 250h (some model years)
Models where premium is recommended but not required
- Some hybrid models, such as the NX 350h and NX 450h+, can use regular gas, but using premium is recommended for optimal performance and to prevent potential engine knocking.
How to be certain
- Check the owner's manual: This is the most reliable source of information for your specific vehicle.
- Look at the fuel door: The required fuel type is often listed inside the fuel-filler door.
What happens if I use regular gas in a Lexus IS?
For one, too low grade gas leads to engine knocking, which can damage your engine in the long run. In addition, using regular gas when you should use premium could void your warranty, which will cost you much more than your small savings at the pump.
